Looking for the best family friendly places to eat in Lake Geneva? Here are the top 5 local recommendations that you shouldn’t miss!
There are so many great restaurant options in Lake Geneva however many of the top restaurants do not take reservations….which can be a problem if you have little ones in tow, and waiting 35 minutes is not an option đ
My family has been around the lake since the 1930s so I rounded up a list of the top 5 family friendly places to eat around Lake Geneva that shouldn’t be missed! From fish frys, to casual american fare, to dining with a lakeview, there really is something for everyone!
Top 5 Family Friendly Places to Eat in Lake Geneva
This post is all about the best family friendly places to eat in Lake Geneva.
Pier 290
In my insider opinion Pier 290 is the best restaurant on the entire lake.  This upmarket American inspired restaurant offers craft cocktails, free valet parking, indoor and outdoor seating, a gift shop and breathtaking lake views make it a local favorite. Another bonus is you can come by boat, dock in front of the restaurant, have lunch and then enjoy the rest of the day on the water. This is the top pick for families because it is one of the few places on the lake that TAKES RESERVATIONS!
I recommend sitting outside (in the heated covered patio) and taking in the beautiful views while having a craft cocktail. They also have a small stretch of âbeachâ in front of the restaurant. This is always nice when my 2 year old is done eating or getting antsy. My mom usually takes him down to walk around while my husband and I thankfully finish our lunch and cocktail. My go to is the blackened tuna sandwich on the gluten free bun (the gluten free bun isnât listed on the menu but they have if you ask), and the homemade chips and dip are always a crowd pleaser.
While there are several amazing options in downtown Lake Geneva, these tend to be packed and donât take reservations. Waiting more than 15 minutes is not an option with my 2 year old, so the additional 10 minutes we have to drive to Williams Bay is worth it. Plus you get to explore another one of the 3 towns around the lake!Â
Insider tip: The famous Geneva Lake Shore path is RIGHT BEHIND THE RESTAURANT! Yes, that means you can have lunch and then walk off those french fries while enjoying the beautiful mansions on the lake. For my full post with tips on how best to enjoy the Geneva Lake Shore path click here.
Gordy’s Boat House
Gordy’s is one of my favorite spots in Fontana! This relaxed American eatery has been around since 1955 and the locals keep coming back! You can dock your boat then sit in or outdoors (where they often have live music), and enjoy the classic american and enjoy the view from both places.
My son swears by their wings- the appetizer portion is large enough for an entree, my little guy loves the burger from the kids menu, and I appreciate the many gluten free options. Like many places around the lake they do not take reservations so we usually get there close to opening and haven’t had any issues.  To check out the full menu click here. *Update; Gordy’s Boathouse has closed for the winter and will be open again in May.
Insider tip: In the summer across the street is Gory’s Surf Shack which serves burgers, fries and ice cream in a casual little “shack” right off the lake. In front of the shack is a small “beach” (to be generous!). Really just a small stretch of sand, but my boys love throwing rocks into the water and it is a nice way to entertain them after having some ice cream! This is also around the corner from one of the best playgrounds, Reid Park, in the area. There are sand diggers, multiple playgrounds including one in the shape of a pirate ship, a baseball field, picnic tables and a clean public bathroom right on premises. A perfect day is hitting the playground then having lunch at Gordy’s!
Bay Cooks
Since downtown Lake Geneva can get very crowded during the summer and weekends, my family prefers to hang out in other towns around the lake like Fontana or Williams Bay. We came into Bay Cooks for breakfast and were surprised by the menu of American classics and Mexican dishes. The vibe is very casual and family friendly with fast friendly service. While we went for breakfast they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have heard they have a great margarita…so I will definitely be back!
Bay Cooks is also located across the street from a playground on the lake and next to an ice cream shop! After lunch I would suggest walking to Dip in the Bay for an ice cream cone and then enjoying it at the Edgewater Park, which has a playground right on the Lake.
Insider tip: Right off the playground is access to the famous Geneva Lake Shore Path! The kids will have fun exploring a pretty flat portion of this 21 mile loop around the lake. Parents will enjoy taking in the views of the homes along the lake in addition to wonderful lake views.
Lake City Social
Lake City Social, located in the Cove Hotel, is the place that we normally take our boys when we go somewhere to eat in downtown Lake Geneva. The restaurant and bar is pretty large, which means even on busy nights the wait has been manageable, and we’ve been seated pretty quickly. You will see lots of families here so very family friendly!
The menu is American inspired (burgers, salads, ribs, etc) but they also have unique offerings like Tuna Poke, Street Tacos, Wisconsin street corn mac & cheese, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and more! One of my favorite things here is the classic fish fry on Friday nights! The portion is large so be prepared to take some home.
Insider Tip: Across the street is an open green space with two gazebos. If there is a wait I have taken my boys to run around there which makes time fly way faster!
Â
Next Door Pub and Pizzeria
This casual restaurant is a local favorite that has been honored with several awards including best casual bar, best chicken wings (my son agrees!), best pizza and best burger. The restaurant is located a five minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva and you will see everyone here from couples, families, larger groups and single people at the bar. In addition to being known for its delicious pizzas it has one of the most extensive gluten free menus around! They offer salads, pastas, pizza, pub burgers, flatbreads, appetizers and other options ALL gluten free.  They also have cool âPizza of the Monthâ specials if you are looking to try something unique like a cheesesteak pizza. This is my familyâs go to spot for pizza and burgers!
Â
No matter which of these restaurants you choose, Lake Geneva never disappoints! Try one, or all, and see which ones become your own local favorite.
Guac Star
This new addition to downtown Lake Geneva is very family friendly! This casual Mexican restaurant is a great place to grab some tacos, burritos at a competitive price. My son loved the kids steak taco with rice and beans while I LOVED both the mushroom and black bean tacos. The quirky day of the dead decor was also a hit with my sons. While they do not have a full liquor license, they offer beer and wine, and have wine margaritas in a variety of flavors! They do not have a website yet but you can check out their facebook page!
Â
This post is all about the best family friendly places to eat in in Lake Geneva.
